Crime & Safety

Lakehurst Neighbors Organize Vigil for Tierra Morgan

Facebook group invites neighbors to light a candle Wednesday evening for the toddler

A day after authorities the body of missing Lakehurst toddler Tierra Morgan in a Monmouth County park, neighbors are organizing a Wednesday evening candle light vigil near her home.

"This is such a shame what has happened, and I would love to do something for the family, but there is nothing you could say or do in a time like this to ease the pain," wrote Lisa Haus, a neighbor who lives across the street from the girl's home, on a Facebook event page. "So please everyone, join me in lighting a candle for this precious angel."

Neighbors are asked to organize on the 600 block of Maple Street in the borough at 6 p.m. and bring a white candle to light. Emails also are being circulated asking residents to join the vigil. 

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Tierra Morgan was expected back in her mother's custody by 7 p.m. Monday after a court-approved visitation with her father, 27-year-old Arthur Morgan III, who is believed to live in Ocean Township, said Executive Assistant Ocean County Prosecutor Michel A. Paulhus in a statement Tuesday. 

First Assistant Monmouth County Prosecutor Christopher Gramiccioni said that a body found Tuesday afternoon in Shark River Park in Monmouth County is believed to be the girl. An autopsy is scheduled for Wednesday to confirm the identity. 

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Though Haus said that she was not close to the family — they only would greet one another in passing — she nonetheless wanted to show her support.

"I just thought as a neighbor, it would be a very nice thing to do for them," she said. 

Related Topics: Lakehurst missing child and Tierra Morgan

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